new

We know what bad habits are. But what about developing the good ones? Do you want to change or develop a new habit? How do you start a new habit?

Forming New Habits

My summer routine was interrupted by the start of school. A little voice reminds me that I don’t have school age children. So what about school interfered with my schedule? The school buses early morning route interfered with my trip to the gym. I quit going. My excuse is lame. I’ve tried to start back but without success. Does this sound like you, when you’re attempting a new routine?

So I’ve decided I need a restart.

Planning for success

Start Small

Be willing to make adjustments

Be practical

Keep a diary

Find an accountability partner

Starting one new habit at a time, will keep you focused. And it’s easier to stick to your goal. Trying to implement multiple changes at once, doesn’t work for me, so I don’t advise it.

Be aware that you may have to adjust some areas. If the time of day won’t work because of your work schedule, change the time or get up earlier. Perhaps the weather is a factor, develop an alternate pattern. For example with my goal of walking, I could choose an exercise video.

Don’t try something new like a diet if you going on a cruise or a vacation. Plan for success. Look at your calendar.

Keep a diary or a log of your new habit. I know this worked for me in the past. When I was working on my novel, a schedule provided the boundaries needed to finish the manuscript.

And finally, pick an accountability partner to hold you to your goal. Check in with your partner weekly to get encouragement and report your progress. In my case about walking, I talked with my husband who gave me a pep talk.

Time needed to establish a routine

According to James Clear, “On average, it takes more than two months before a new behavior becomes automatic — 66 days to be exact.” The answer is backed up by a study done by the University College of London.

The time needed to establish a routine has many variables. Most important is getting started. For more information read the article on this subject in the Huffington Post.

Are you trying to form a new habit? Are you struggling or finding success?

Please comment. I’d love to hear about your experience.

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9